External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, securing a front-row seat at the Capitol Rotunda. His prominent placement signaled India’s intention to foster close ties with the Trump administration during its second term.

Jaishankar was seated in the first row alongside Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, whose countries are part of the QUAD alliance with India and the US, were seated two rows behind.

In a tweet, Jaishankar expressed his honor at representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulations to Trump. Sources confirmed that Jaishankar delivered a letter from PM Modi to the US President during the visit.

PM Modi congratulated Trump on his return to the White House, referring to him as a "dear friend." “Congratulations, my dear friend President Donald Trump, on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the US! I look forward to working closely together once again to benefit both our countries and shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!” Modi said in his message.

Jaishankar’s presence aligns with India’s tradition of sending special envoys to the inauguration ceremonies of heads of state. Earlier in the day, he joined fellow foreign ministers at the Capitol and attended an interfaith prayer service at St. John’s Church, a tradition tied to inauguration day. During the service, Jaishankar was seen conversing with Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

India’s participation at the event underscores its commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the US and building on past collaborations between the two nations.